The role and contribution of women in the energy sector

Women in Energy, the 4th edition, organized by Future Energy Leaders (FEL) Romania, the youth platform of the Romanian National Committee of the World Energy Council (CNR-WEC), took place on November 28, 2024 at ONE Tower, Scenario.

The event explored the themes of leadership, professional development and mentoring, bringing together industry experts, representatives of large companies, public authorities, academia and young professionals. The conference highlighted the contribution of women to a more equitable and inclusive energy transition. Participants discussed concrete ways in which women’s involvement in the energy sector can be strengthened, underlining the importance of diversity in shaping the future of this strategic industry. At the same time, the event aimed to inspire the next generation of professionals, demonstrating the value of mentorship in the career development of women in the field.

The event was opened by Rareș Hurghiș, General Director of FEL Romania and Teodora Mîndra, Programs and Events Manager, while the opening speech was given by Mr. Ștefan Gheorghe, Executive General Director of CNR-CME and Ella Ratcu, CNR-CME advisor and founder of FEL Romania.

The first panel  “Leadership”, was moderated by Olivian Savin, Marketing and Communication Manager and brought to the forefront the vision of female leaders in energy, both from the private sector and from public administration.

Among the topics addressed were the specific challenges in leadership in the energy sector for women, skills and advice for those aspiring to decision-making roles in the energy industry. Among these were listed: adaptability, proactivity, courage, teamwork, passion and emotional intelligence. The guests who contributed to this panel were:

• Anamaria Acristini, Managing Director, BayWa r.e. Romania
• Ana Nedea, Director of Strategy and Business Development, Simtel
• Ramona Moldovan, Deputy Secretary General, Ministry of Energy
• Elena Popescu, CEO, Elektra Renewable Support • Magda Capisizu, Head of Customer Department, Distrigaz Sud Rețele
• Livioara Șujdea, Chief Distribution Officer, Electrica SA

In the second panel,  “Career Development” moderated by Raluca Gabor, Regulatory and Public Affairs Manager FEL Romania, the panelists emphasized the importance of continuous learning, determination, teamwork, courage, ethics, adaptability, passion, balance and self-confidence for building a successful career.

The guests who contributed to this discussion were:

• Oana Özmen, Deputy and Secretary of the Commission for Industries and Services
• Diana Robescu, Dean, Faculty of Energy UNSTPB
• Mirela Dima, Regulatory Director, EVRYO • Gabriela Moroianu, CEO Editor-in-Chief, Focus Energetic
• Maria-Luminița Badi, Wind Resource Specialist, PPC Renewables Romania

Panel 3, “Mentoring”, moderated by Daniela Goreacii, FEL member, was dedicated to the Women for Women mentoring program organized by FEL Romania. The discussions highlighted valuable perspectives from inspirational leaders, but also from colleagues from FEL Romania, who shared their experience in the mentoring program and the expectations they have from these interactions. Topics such as the importance of mentoring relationships, how they are built and their long-term impact were addressed.

The guests emphasized the role of mentoring in developing essential skills such as self-confidence, risk-taking and successfully navigating the dynamics of the energy sector. This panel was attended by:

• Corina Popescu, Vice President, SPER
• Maria Mănicuță, Director of Electricity and Natural Gas Tariffs, ANRE
• Silvia Vlăsceanu, Executive Director, HENRO • Raluca Andronoiu, Brand Media Strategist, ENGIE Romania, Member of FEL Romania
• Iuliana Iliescu, Business Developer – M&A, PPC, Member of FEL Romania
• Andreea Paraschiv, Project Manager RES, BayWa r.e., Member of FEL Romania

“By organizing the Women in Energy event, we wanted to bring to the forefront the importance of diversity and female leadership in the energy sector, to discuss the challenges women face in this field and to highlight the opportunities that mentoring can offer. We believe that the active involvement of women in the industry and the promotion of successful models contribute to the creation of a fair and inclusive energy system. The future of this sector depends on a sustainable vision based on innovation and collaboration, and women leaders play an essential role in shaping this direction.” – emphasized the Future Energy Leaders Romania team.

FEL Romania aims to be a platform for communication and cooperation between the new generation and the current energy elite, cooperation that we consider vital for the good development of the energy sector and the way it interacts with other fields. FEL Romania aims to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy and reduce the negative impact that energy has on the environment.